BARS & PUBS

The Beach
365 S. Convention Center Dr. at Paradise Road
(702) 731-9298
Cover:  $10 most nights, but varies

If you're visiting Las Vegas and want to find a hot dance-club, look no further, the Beach is it. It has five bars on the first level and three on the second. The dance floor is packed with young, hot people looking for fun. There are usually more men than women, and most people are from out of town. That explains the $10 cover and the price of  the drinks, but it's worth it. The Beach also has some pretty crazy drink specials, so keep an eye out.

It won't be hard finding a drink in a place that has eight bars,  but there are also bikini-clad women ( it is the Beach after all) who dispense test-tube shots. There are also Jell-O contests, where participants do body shots with spiked gelatinous treats.

On the second floor you can find balconies that overlook the dance floor, pool tables, darts, foosball, video poker and a sports book. Valet parking is available and if you drink too much, the staff will drive you home at no charge.

Cleopatra's Barge Nightclub
Caesars Palace
(702) 731-7110
Cover: No cover, but there's a two drink minimum on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10pm to 4am, Cleopatra's Barge is literally a barge. You board by gangplank, and hydraulic presses gently rock the barge back and forth. Seating is available on the dock and the main barge. You can sit here while costumed waitresses bring  moderately priced drinks. A live band plays Top 40 hits to a dance floor that rarely gets too crowded. Not a bad place to visit, but it doesn't get crazy.

Club Rio
Rio Suite Hotel
(702) 252-7777
Cover: Varies

Club Rio was very hot a couple of months ago, but the fervor seems to have leveled off. It's still the best dance club among the casinos, but sometimes the long lines and restrictive dress codes make it too much of a project just to get inside the place. There are no sneakers allowed and shirts must have collars, so this has the effect of making everybody dress the same. This club caters to the post-college, pre-yuppie crowd so everybody is wearing khakis and an oxford shirt. 
The club's huge dance floor takes up most of the space, ringed by circular booths. There are big video screens overhead showing things ranging from music videos to the action in the club. The music isn't bad, but don't expect to hear the latest music, when we were there the resurgence of the Village People was still in vogue.   

Drink
200 E. Harmon Ave. at Koval Lane
(702) 796-5519
Cover $5 - $10 ( more when major artists perform)  Women are admitted free on Tuesday nights.

A club that everybody will like. There are several different rooms featuring different styles like rock and dance. The entire place oozes with cool. Mostly lit by candles, the dark rooms are notable for their design and their ability to block out the sound coming from the other rooms. The Drink plays host mostly to a GenerationX and older crowd. Celebs have been known to drop by, and Drink often attracts some headline entertainment. This is our favorite dance club in Las Vegas. It's a lot of fun without the "Spring Break" atmosphere of clubs like The Beach.  

Ellis Island
4178 Koval Lane
(702) 733-8901
Cover: No cover

If you like karaoke, this is the place for you. People of every skill level jump up on stage to perform. Join in on the crooning daily from 9pm to 3am or get an early start with Friday's happy hour. The mic is open starting at 4pm and a variety of food and drink specials are offered. This is the best time to come, it gets crowded  occasionally, and attracts an eclectic crowd.

Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery
Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
(702) 730-7777
Cover:  No cover

This restaurant clears away tables to become a fun dance club and microbrewery at night. Catering to local business people, the club has drink specials, a fully stocked humidor, big screen televisions and a dueling piano show.  The micro-brewed beers are good and you can order pizza and assorted bar foods until late.  The Pub is open until 1am Sunday to Thursday, 3am on Friday and Saturday.

Orbit Lounge at the Hard Rock
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
(702) 693-5000
Cover: $5, ladies get in free.

Let us start by saying that the night Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra got married, they stayed and partied at the Hard Rock. That should tell you all you need to know. This after hours club opens Friday and Saturday nights at 12:30 am and goes on till about five. There are pool tables, go-go dancers and lots of glam.

Sam's Town Western Dance Hall
Sam's Town     ( 5111 Boulder Hwy. )
(702) 456-7777
Cover:  No cover

If you like line dancing, this is probably you're best bet. A DJ plays from 9pm to 3am, but beginners can come early for the free West Coast Swing and line dancing lessons. ( Classes offered from 7:30 to 9pm) As you might guess, Western paraphernalia adorns the walls to the large dance hall. Mostly locals. Sunday is karaoke night.

Studio 54 at the MGM Grand
MGM Grand
(702) 891-7254

This is an upscale club with a modern interior that features the latest audio and visual systems. The music beats throughout its three floors and the joint is really jumpin on weekends. At the time of this writing the crowds were beginning to thin, but it's still worth checking out if you're in the area. The club is open from 10pm to 3am , Tues. - Thurs. and 10pm to 5am on Friday & Saturday. Closed on Sundays. Dress code strictly enforced. 

Utopia
3765 Las Vegas Blvd.   (in the Epicenter)
(702) 593-5935
Cover:  Varies

This club has gained a reputation in town for being the place to go and have a good time. One of the only genuine raves in town, Utopia draws the hipsters by the dozen. Call ahead for times, most often its only Saturday night starting at about 11. The crowd is usually an eclectic mix of ravers, GenerationXers and the curious.

VooDoo Lounge
Rio Suite Hotel (51st Floor)
Cover:  Varies

The  Voodoo Lounge is probably the hippest place in town.   It attracts upscale locals and tourists alike with a smooth atmosphere and music like  Lenny Kravits, Collective Soul, Alanis Morresette, and even some Andre Bocelli.   The view of  Las Vegas from 51 stories up is beautiful (in that Vegas way)   and the large patio section allows you to enjoy the night air. Late night menu available.
Catch Jimmy Hopper while he's playing at the VooDoo lounge. He's absolutely terrific!
9pm to 3am, every Wednesday through Sunday.